Deadly croc attacks

•January 1, 1970

1 / 10

Murky future for giant Philippine crocodiles DURATION: 00:02:24

A 21-foot-long saltwater crocodile -- believed to be the biggest ever caught -- was captured in the southern Philippines in August after it reportedly killed two people. But hunters admit they caught the wrong giant croc and the search for an even bigger reptile is under way. DURATION: 00:02:24

Crocodile attacks on people are common in places where large crocodiles are native and human populations live. Only a few species are considered dangerous to adult humans, and only individuals 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length or more represent a serious danger to humans, as smaller crocodiles are considered incapable of killing a person. However, even the smallest species can inflict painful bites requiring stitches if harassed. In addition, a small child may be of a similar size to the prey of some of the crocodilian species incapable of preying on adult humans. Officials recently reported a crocodile swallowed a ten-year-old girl in Indonesia as her father looked on helplessly.